[quote="Henry David Thoreau"][size=8pt]I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.[/size][/quote]
When explaining to a friend back in 2001 what I was going to attempt to do, he told me it sounded like Henry David Thoreau spending two years at Walden pond living in a small cabin he built himself to write and reflect. I wanted to do something similar–to try to live simply and humbly before my Creator in a self-sustaining homestead. The initial plan had only very basic details that needed worrying about, such as building a shelter, growing food, and staying warm. These can be accomplished with a little bit of planning along with lots of hard work and prayer. However, there were a few issues I couldn't figure out how to deal with if all of my time and effort were spent on trying to survive and provide everything I would need to live. Namely, federal, state, and local taxes and regulations.
If trying to do this wasn't hard enough on its own, I would have to appease various rulers as they attempt to, quite literally, tax the fruits of my labor and dictate exactly how I conduct my myself (imagine if I were to sell milk to a neighbor) regardless of the hardships it would cause me. The more I tried to think of ways I could possibly meet some of the requirements, the more and more I came to the realization I would be unable to live my life completely obeying the government and still within the manner I felt originally called to: simply and humbly before my Creator. I do not believe this is how God intended man to become. We are at a point in the U.S. where one cannot peacefully live close to Nature without breaking some of man's laws.
For the past 8 years I've been living more and more like a hypocrite, slowly letting go of my dream and trying to figure out how to change the system. I can't do it anymore. Starting now, I'm looking to buy several acres of land, hopefully in New Hampshire. Maybe when I am more at peace with myself, I'll return to try and win the hearts and minds of others. Until then, on my land, I will be living simply and humbly before my Creator regardless the consequences.
Sincerely,
- Paul Ott
It sounds like you're listening to your own personal calling. It's the only way we can each reach our full potential. I respect your decision though I do hope your inner voice brings you back to us when you feel ready.
This place is up for sale or rent. You would be less than 2 miles from Animal Farm in Grafton. A very wooded area with lots of forest that you are free to roam in.
http://forum.freestateproject.org/index.php?topic=12375.0
Cool Paul, do what you got to do. 8)
I'm just glad to know NH is still the destination! Here's hoping you end up nearby.
That sounds awesome, Paul. It's what I want to do, and I just started looking for property, to. Without suggestion you "should" do this or that, I'll say that just living freely - "living simply and humbly before [your] Creator" - can be activism, if you merely talk to others about it once in a while. You'd be setting an example and educating people. And I hope you stay in NH just so you're near enough to still go to Social Sundays or some events.
I could see if you were uncomfortable with a job or person or place, you should move away from it. but if you are not at peace with yourself, why are you locking yourself away with him? Sound like a fight will break out.
Thanks guys.
[quote author=And I Will Not link=topic=1415.msg15196#msg15196 date=1250303670]
This place is up for sale or rent. You would be less than 2 miles from Animal Farm in Grafton. A very wooded area with lots of forest that you are free to roam in.
http://forum.freestateproject.org/index.php?topic=12375.0[/quote]
Unfortunately a little beyond my budget. I'll probably check out properties like this and this.
[quote author=TackleTheWorld link=topic=1415.msg15222#msg15222 date=1250353500]
I could see if you were uncomfortable with a job or person or place, you should move away from it. but if you are not at peace with yourself, why are you locking yourself away with him? Sound like a fight will break out.[/quote]
The struggle is between doing what is right and doing what is easy. I've got to start doing more of the former and less of the latter.
To: Paul Ott
The change always starts within each living individual, who understands the principles of freedom, love, prosperity. As more we are giving attention to government in order to change, this system(government) will always figure out how to create more lies for its own progress. That's why education and change should start from a sleeping society(both old and new generation) who trust this corrupt system(government).